Update #2 July-24-2009 08:57 PDT:Ford just e-mailed us a picture of the new base wheel for the F-150 XL model. It will be available in the standard 6-lug pattern and as a 7-lug wheel, as part of the optional heavy duty payload package.

Update #1 July-21-2009 11:44 PDT:Here's an update to the 2010 model year changes for the F-150 after speaking with Mark Grueber, marketing manager for the Ford F-150.

Upgraded brakes: The only notable engineering change for the 2010 F-150 is an overhauled brake system. It includes new rotors that are 6 percent larger than last year's rotors, plus new front calipers, master cylinder, brake booster and linings. Grueber said F-150 drivers should see improved brake feel, reduced stopping distance and reduced brake dust thanks to the upgrades.

Durable vinyl flooring is now available for the first time in the four-door XL SuperCrew work truck. Carpet is optional.

The front headrests have been redesigned based on customer feedback. They sit about a half-inch farther back and use a new foam material.

Notable deletions: The stylish flareside box is no longer offered for 2010, and the 133-inch-wheelbase SuperCab configuration with a 5.5-foot box is no longer available, except for on the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.

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Ford has released information about the 2010 Ford F-150. The half-ton pickup receives several minor updates, including:

MyKey: Ford's exclusive programmable key is available for all models except the entry-level XL. MyKey is aimed at parents of teen drivers. It features a persistent buckle-up reminder chime and mutes the truck's stereo until the seat belt is fastened. Audio system volume is limited to 44 percent of the maximum volume, and top speed is limited to 80 mph, with speed alert chimes at 45, 55 or 65 mph. It also disables the traction control system from being deactivated.

As we reported last month, Ford is dropping the "superior fuel economy" label from two-wheel-drive F-150 pickups equipped with the 4.6-liter, three-valve V-8 next year, but keeping the SFE's 15/21 mpg city/highway fuel-economy rating.

King Ranch and Platinum models get heated second-row seats, a power-sliding rear window with defrost, and a Sony in-dash six-CD player.

XLT model gets a new unique six-bar billet-style grille (pictured at top) with the optional new XLT Chrome Package. Last year's three-bar chrome grille is still available for standard XLT F-150.

Are you sure that new XLT grille actually replaces the old one? I think that new grille is part of the 2010 XLT chrome package. The 2010 order guide still says the regular XLT comes with a standard bar grille.

Posted by: SteveVFX4 | Jul 21, 2009 1:12:41 PM

No diesel... no EcoBoost... no new F-150 for me.

Posted by: Glenn | Jul 21, 2009 1:40:32 PM

Zzzz Zzzzz Could someone please wake me up when Ford has something interesting to talk about, such as some new engines they keep promising?

Posted by: Michael | Jul 21, 2009 1:53:38 PM

@SteveVFX4: You're correct. Sorry about that. I just spoke with Mark Grueber, F-150 marketing manager and have updated the list of changes. You'll find a few items not noted in the 2010 F-150 order guide.

I still can't understand how the KR and Platinum models don't have heated rear seats for 09?

I will also agree with Matt, where are the new engines?

Posted by: jrod82 | Jul 21, 2009 1:57:59 PM

@jrod82, @Matt: Patience fellas. The new engines are coming for 2011. I'll have an update on the 4-cylinder EcoBoost F-150 tomorrow in light of the official announcement that was made today. Expect to learn something new. ;-)

I like the new XLT grille. It's like they say, horizontal stripes make things look wider and less tall. The current grille looks too tall to my eyes.

I like that the 15/21 mpg rating is going to be standard. I don't like that they're dropping green entirely, even if it was a fairly ugly green. When will they bring back forest green? Right now if you want the old timber green color you have to go to Toyota.

In the spirit of patience, I'll wait for updates and hope that Ford is going to do some mild updates (F-150 grille? New brakes, maybe? 2.5 liter four?) for the American 2010 Ranger. I couldn't afford it, but it sure would be nice.

Its worth the waiting.. I can't believe you people complaining. They said end 2010 and 2011 will have the new engines out. I'm looking forward for the 2012 F-150!!! If you don't like Ford, Keep it to yourself!!! Keep up the work Ford and Mike Too... Peace!!! "In God We Trust"

Posted by: RLM | Jul 21, 2009 3:16:21 PM

What!!! No Flareside? Ford has had a Flareside model for years!! That was the original pickup box until the Styleside came aboard in 1957. On the other hand, the Flareside was nothing more than a narrow Styleside for several years. The old style Flareside (with big outside fenders) was the best.

Posted by: Wayne | Jul 21, 2009 3:27:49 PM

Please show us what the new 7 lug wheels look like.

Posted by: Scott | Jul 21, 2009 6:03:46 PM

Yawn. Nice looking truck though.

Posted by: Big Bob | Jul 21, 2009 6:24:12 PM

No more manual transmission.

No more Flareside.

The same tired 4.6L and 5.4L.

With each generation the F150 gets more and more boring.

Posted by: PMP | Jul 21, 2009 7:11:19 PM

Ford is awesome but they are the only 1z that continue the tradition of flareside/stepside! they can't drop it, so far the 09 is still offered with flareside.

Posted by: EagleXYZ | Jul 21, 2009 7:36:44 PM

Where is the Eco boost engine?

Posted by: Alex | Jul 21, 2009 8:17:16 PM

Thx for update. Glad they changed the headrest. For most of us the new were waiting for is the offical 6.2 and 5.0 news, and for some the 6 EB. But 4 cyl EB news is not exciting at all. It could be the best thing since cold beer but a 4cyl in a F150.... Just not right.

Posted by: The Common Man | Jul 21, 2009 8:33:56 PM

Alex, The 2010 MY trucks are coming out right now. The EcoBoost will be here next year. MY 2011.

They forgot the Raptor.....that's not a minor update. And the Harley Davidson....and the power sliding rear window with defrost...heavy duty package is now back to being limited slip...the new wheel is not just for the base XL - it is for the Heavy Duty Payload package...etc

i think the vinyl floor is great i used to have an old pickup that you could just hose it out to clean it gald to see they brought such a quick and easy thing back.

Posted by: G | Jul 21, 2009 9:54:53 PM

All you yawner N ZZZZZ just stay away... You probably never kept a Truck long enough... I have a 1997 F-150 extended cab with a 5.4 rated 235 HP and got 185,435 miles and still running. I do keep it up on mainance. Now Ford Trucks may never been Fast like Chevys, But mine is always running and workin with. Now those whose said Forgotteen on Race Day WRONG, FIRST ON RACE DAYS!!!I also have a 1999 Silverado extended cab with a 5.3 270 HP with pushing over 190,000 miles and both of these Trucks I have no complain...Mike as you know Fords motor always been good engines, It the way people who abuse them and not take care them. You have to keep up with the Mainance.. Bring out the Coyote 5.0, EB 3.5 and 6.7 Scorpion Diesel. Who knows might might be good or Bad, but always improving.... Peace!!!!!

Posted by: KNM | Jul 22, 2009 7:24:05 PM

Not sure what the odometer has to do with the zzzzzzzzzz, but in any event, my 04 has 188,000 m and thats cause I keep waiting for an engine upgrade... And I keep waiting. Hopefully only another 12-14 months or so and the wait will be over.
Some questions for Ford dude:
- Will they produce a SCrew with increased payload as this is a Ford weakness (one of a few)
- Do they really expect to have a EB V6 as their "premium" engine offering or will the 6.2L be available to the working man.
- Will they finally add the power fold/telescoping trailer mirrors on the F150 as they do on the SD? Same mirror? D'uh?
- Will they get rid of those awfull chrome trim tailights if on nothing else the monochrome totally non-chrome FX4?

Posted by: The Common Man | Jul 22, 2009 10:11:48 PM

PLEASE DO NOT KILL THE FLARESIDE!
They had a design edge on all the rest with this nod to the original trucks. I have owned three of them and it was going to be my next truck in 2010 or 2011.
Ford, do not kill the flareside.

Posted by: Johnny | Jul 23, 2009 8:07:58 AM

Hey Mike, where's that update on the 4cyl EcoBoost and F-150 you promised? Thanks man :)

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"@jrod82, @Matt: Patience fellas. The new engines are coming for 2011. I'll have an update on the 4-cylinder EcoBoost F-150 tomorrow in light of the official announcement that was made today. Expect to learn something new. ;-)"

Posted by: Glenn | Jul 23, 2009 8:48:39 AM

OK a 4cyl BIG truck??? I'm about to puke. I'm used to 6-cyls in my large truck. For example, Dodge is the only one that offers a 6-cyl (diesel) HD pickup, and I like it OK. But if they put this EB 4-cyl (gas or diesel or anything else) in the F150 I will never look at another Ford F-150 again! Save that engine for the Ranger or smaller F-100. But the 3.7 EB v6 will be sweet (400 hp/lb-ft torque) to blow away all other 6-cyl full-size pickups. Of course, I'm all about the EB v8's.

Posted by: Billy | Jul 23, 2009 10:01:59 AM

@Glenn: Possibly later today but I'll make the key points here:
- 4-cylinder F-150 is still definitely in development
- Engine architecture is not the same as the 4-cylinder EcoBoost Ford introduced earlier this week. It will be engineered to a RWD truck application
- Start/stop mode that shuts the engine off automatically when the engine is stopped, like a hybrid. Think super starter.
- The displacement is *very* small. Smaller than the 2.5-liter I've said in the past, if you can wrap your head around that.

@Mike Levine - WOW. I thought this might be specifically under development for the new Ranger platform... but WOW. I'm very curious on the details, can't wait to hear more...

Thank you!

Posted by: Glenn | Jul 23, 2009 10:25:14 AM

Ford F150. There are few things more American than a pickup truck. Over time the role of the pickup trunk has expanded from simply a work vehicle to include daily commuter, family wagon and weekend toy-hauler. The latest iteration of Fords popular F-150 reflects the ever-changing needs of pickup truck owners....

Having spent that last several decades at the top of the sales charts, the Ford F-150s sales supremacy has recently been challenged by strong competition from Chevrolet, Dodge, GMC, Nissan and Toyota. Yet the F-150 soldiers on, offering improved capability, better refinement and more style than ever before.

I need to upgrade my F-150 by year-end. Without a diesel, there's no valued added to getting another one. Don't want the bulky Super Duty's. Hello, GMC Sierra 2500HD. Increased performance without the obnoxious bulky body of the Super Duty.

Posted by: Mark | Jul 23, 2009 11:48:37 AM

Jordan, surprisingly F150 does not lead half ton sales. Look at Mike's report from week or two ago.

Posted by: The Common Man | Jul 23, 2009 1:49:21 PM

Government Motores doesn't lead either because they are being propped up by the Goverment. When you're the government you don't need to make a profit. You can just sell trucks at a loss.

Thats the new wheel we've been waiting for for the HD pkg?! Fuuuuuuggggly. Not sure why they can't make a good looking 7 lug wheel? Am I missing something?

Posted by: The Common Man | Jul 24, 2009 11:26:18 AM

I'm disappointed in the new 7 lug wheel. It is basically the same wheel I have now but with more openings. I was hoping it would look like the 7 lug diesel spy pics you showed awhile back. That was a nice looking wheel...

Love my 2004, F150, FX4, Supercab. I'm wanting a new one. However, I refuse to pay 45,000 for a truck that gets 14 MPG City/16 Highway without a load. Not with gasoline at 2.50 - 4.00 a gallon. Ford can do better than that! Where is the new high tech engine ?

Posted by: jerry | Jul 29, 2009 6:23:30 AM

Can you ask Ford, why did they delete power folding mirrors on the 2009/10 Lariat model?
It costs $48k, but won't fit in my garage without foldng them I think Ford is missing sales opportunities!

The dealer told me to buy a King Ranch (too cowboy) or a Platinum (which I don't particularily care for, so I'm looking at Nissan and Toyota)

Posted by: roland | Jul 29, 2009 2:51:23 PM

Wow! The big Ford news is rims and a nose job. Thanks, but no thanks. I'll avoid the domestics right now and buy American instead.

Posted by: Jim | Jul 29, 2009 8:47:54 PM

I want the Raptor.

Posted by: Ryan | Aug 6, 2009 1:33:08 PM

Think someone at Ford has made some assumptions that are very risky -- customers will wait for ever. I (and I think many others) have a F150 with 180,000+ miles and have waiting for the long promised f150 desiel. Question is which will come first current truck dying or desiel becoming avial. for purchase. At over 200,000 miles likely in 2011.... think 50/50 new truck may not a Ford.